The Met Leeds: Contemporary Living in the Upbeat City

6 July 2005

Leeds. The London of the North? Not quite but never-the-less a vibrant close-knit city offering superb nightlife and excellent eateries. Leeds makes for a cracking weekend break offering easy access to the surrounding Yorkshire dales. When in Leeds it is a good idea to stay close to the action and a good option for such a stay is the recently transformed and very stylish (The) Met hotel. A visually stunning work of architecture on the outside (the building has retained all of its original features from when it was known as The Metropole) whilst inside lies a microcosm of modern art and equally modern fixtures and fittings.

The Met is part of The Principal Hotels Group and has undergone a ten-month revamping at the cost of £4.6 million. The property is now noted as an upper 4 star hotel. Principal have opted for a contemporary look inside with subtle hues of brown, greens and grey. The colour scheme certainly works.

During the refurbishment many of the rooms have been upgraded now offering 120 en-suite bedrooms. There has also been the renovation of the conference facilities, the reception area and corridors and the introduction of new signage.

Behind a good hotel most come a good staff base. Most enjoyable stays are more so remembered for the service then anything else. The Met offers a professional ensemble of polite and courteous workers.

The re-launch is being spearheaded by a newly created management team led by general manager, Sarah Whitfield, a lady enthusiastic about the new product:

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“The changes we have made at The Met Leeds are far reaching. This is not just a refurbishment but a total transformation and re-positioning and we want to encourage conference bookers and the local business community to take a look at the new Met Leeds - as they will discover something very different! I’m excited about leading a team who are bringing a new, positive attitude to everything we do in order to meet and exceed the expectations of our business or leisure customers.”

Sarah continues:

“I truly believe that The Met Leeds has a unique offer in Leeds city as we are offering the luxury and intimacy of a contemporary boutique-style hotel, delivered with warmth and vibrancy by our in house team. They are dedicated to putting our customers first and making their stay at The Met Leeds one which they will look forward to repeating.”

The Met is fairly bright with rooms incorporating large sash-windows. One downside is that the rooms can become incredibly hot and stuffy. The bathrooms could also be put to better use, as there appears to be a large amount of wasted floor space. The rooms are very spacious, comfortable and relaxing with ample cupboard space. The beds are excellent.

If in Leeds for a weekend of frivolities then The Mets Lloyds Bar is as good a place as any to get started. A high ceiling allows for good acoustics and low sitting tables and chairs offer a relaxed yet up-market drinking hole.

The Met is a centrally located hotel offering high standards and good business and meeting facilities. A good place to host small conferences and equally as good for a quick break away in a rapidly evolving eclectic city with pretty much it all to offer.

Rating 4/5

Location: King Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 2HQ

Tel: 0113 245 0841

To celebrate the new era at The Met Leeds, Principal Hotels has an introductory offer for all new bookings taken for the months of July and August of a bedroom rate of £75 per night including Full English Breakfast